Unlocking the Power
of Partnership –
A Framework for Effective CrossSector Collaboration to Advance
the Global Goals for Sustainable
Development
International Development Services (IDAS)
KPMG INTERNATIONAL
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Contents
Introduction
2
Acknowledgements
3
A new framework for
collaboration
4
What are the Global Goals for Sustainable
Development?
4
What are KPMG International and its
network of member firms doing?
4
Partnerships are key
5
Discovering
shared value
7
Moving from transactional to
transformational
9
Building effective
partnerships
10
Partnerships lifecycle framework
10
Core values of effective partnerships
11
Taking action: Eight factors for effective
partnerships
12
Closing thoughts
19
Partnership case studies
20
Leveraging platforms for
private sector action
22
Starting small and scaling up
23
Delivering long-term results
for refugees
25
Lessons in educational
partnerships
27
Beyond corporate responsibility:
Building trust and identifying
areas for cooperation to build
shared value
29
Identifying shared value
31
Training future engineers
in Vietnam
33
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1 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 2
Introduction
With the adoption of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development
(Global Goals), the line between what is good for business and
what is good for development has changed. At KPMG International,
we believe that partnerships will play an important role in achieving
development impact while at the same time meeting the business
needs of a rapidly changing world.
As a partner of organizations in the public, private, and NGO/
civil society sectors, we have a deep appreciation for the
transformative power of cross-sector partnerships to create a
world that is more prosperous, inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
In this report, we seek to catalyze greater understanding around
this process by providing a framework for organizations that may
have never engaged in a partnership or are seeking to improve
their current approach. We have drawn on research, one-on-one
interviews with organizations actively engaged in partnerships,
and KPMG’s own insights to identify what we believe are the
underlying values and key factors that must be considered to
create, operate, and sustain an effective partnership.
For the first time in history, we have the ability to eradicate
extreme poverty and create opportunity for the projected 9 billion
people who will inhabit the earth by 2030 to live productive,
sustainable, and healthy lives. We hope the lessons in this report
will provide actionable advice to organizations in all sectors and
help to build effective partnerships to bring the ambitious vision
of the Global Goals to reality.
Timothy A.A. Stiles
Global Chair
International Development
Services (IDAS)
KPMG LLP (US)
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Trevor Davies
Global Head
IDAS Institute
KPMG LLP (US)
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3 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Acknowledgements
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We would like to thank the following organizations for participating
in one-on-one interviews and/or contributing case studies. The insights
and lessons shared from their experiences in cross-sector partnering
have been invaluable to the development of this report.
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• DLA Piper
• Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM)
• IKEA Foundation
• International Committee of the Red Cross (IFRC)
• Nestle
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF)
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
• United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• World Cocoa Foundation (WCF)
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 4
A new framework
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for collaboration
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The adoption of the Global Goals sets an ambitious framework for global development to the year 2030.
The Global Goals build on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals, recognize the
important role of the private sector in development, and represent growing international recognition
that inclusive and sustainable development are critical to long term global prosperity.
A product of close consultation between UN member states, civil society, and the private sector,
the 17 Global Goals include 169 targets ranging from eliminating extreme poverty, generating
inclusive economic growth, and taking urgent action on climate change. Achieving these targets
by 2030 requires new approaches to problem solving, the development of innovative financing
mechanisms, and pioneering approaches to cooperation that will redefine the relationship
between public, private, and NGO/civil society stakeholders.
What are KPMG international and its network of member firms doing?
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KPMG has been helping to shape the Global Goals with others in business, government, and civil
society. Through our convening and speaking at several side events of the four related UN Summits –
The World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (Sendai, Japan), The Conference on Financing for
Development (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), The Summit to Adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (New
York, USA), and the Conference on Climate Change (Paris, France) – we demonstrate our commitment
to applying our skills, resources and influence in pursuit of the Global Goals.
We are also developing thought leadership and tools to inspire and equip companies to increase their
contribution to sustainable development. These include the Sustainable Development Goals Industry
Matrix which KPMG, together with the United Nations Global Compact, is developing to provide
industry specific practical examples and ideas for action for each Global Goal.
For additional information on KPMG’s activities around the Global Goals, visit www.kpmg.com/globalgoals
Source: The Global Goals for Sustainable Development, sustainable development.un.org.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are
affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG
International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member
firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
5 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
We believe that cross-sector partnerships are key to advancing the global goals
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As official development assistance shifts to a more catalytic role than leading role in the
post-2015 agenda, cross-sector partnerships among the public, private, and NGO/civil
society sectors will be key in achieving progress against the targets set forth by the Global
Goals. In this context, stakeholders should consider the following:
• Shifting development finance landscape: Global financial flows to developing countries
have changed dramatically over the past two decades. Private capital, including philanthropy,
remittances, and capital investment now far exceeds official development assistance and
plays an important role in financing growth in developing countries.
• Global Goals set an ambitious agenda for change: Inclusive and sustainable
development is the key to long-term global prosperity. However, delivering on the post2015 agenda will require the combined strengths of the public, private, and NGO/civil
society sectors.
• Private sector increasingly adopting shared value principles: As more private sector
firms seek to capitalize on growth in emerging markets, many are recognizing the business
value of weaving social and environmental goals into their core business. Firms are now
addressing societal issues while at the same time generating a fair return.
• Complex and interdependent global issues: Urbanization. Climate change.
Youth employment. Access to clean water. The challenges facing the world are more
complex and interconnected than ever before.
Shifting development
finance landscape
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Global Goals set an ambitious
agenda for change
PARTNERSHIP
Private sector increasingly adopting
shared value principles
Complex and interdependent
global issues
Source: KPMG International, 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are
affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG
International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member
firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
4
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 6
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
7 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
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Creating
shared value
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© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms
are affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or
bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate
or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 8
Partnership is more than just collaboration on ad-hoc projects. It is about
moving beyond responsibility for independent results to a relationship that
involves co-creation, shared risks and responsibilities, interdependency, and
organizational transformation. True partnership is about identifying shared value and
leveraging the combined strengths of each partner to achieve a level of impact that
could not be accomplished independently.
Different sectors are increasingly understanding sustainability, citizens, and
markets in the same way. Through the lens of shared value, business can identify
opportunity in addressing social problems. In the context of the Global Goals, shared
value represents the coming together of market potential, societal demands, and
policy action to create a more sustainable and inclusive path to economic growth,
prosperity, and well-being.
M
W
The issues we face are so
big and the targets are so
challenging that we cannot
do it alone. When you look at any
issue, such as food or water scarcity,
it is very clear that no individual
institution, government or company
can provide the solution.
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– Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever1
GOAL:
Sustained well-being
of markets, citizens,
planet, and society.
Principles
Approaches
Desired Outcomes
Source: KPMG International, 2015.
1
Confino, J. April 24, 2012. Unilever’s Paul Polman: challenging the corporate status quo. The Guardian.
http://www.theguardian.com/ sustainable-business/paul-polman-unilever-sustainable-living-plan
2
Shared value was first introduced as a concept by Prof. Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
9 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Moving from transactional to transformational
Delivering on the ambitious vision of the Global Goals will require partnerships that
define success more broadly than financial returns and programmatic outcomes.
Contract based Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), including those normally found
in infrastructure arrangements between a public funder and a private developer/
operator, will remain an important part of the development landscape. However,
partnerships that emphasize transformation over transaction will be critical in achieving
the scale and depth of impact required to catalyze substantial change.
TRANSACTIONAL
Commercial
• Exchange of goods,
services, and payment
for the performance of
specific activities.
• Partner interaction is
based on contractual
terms such as those
commonly found in major
infrastructure publicprivate partnerships
(PPP).
Philanthropic
TRANSFORMATIONAL
Collaborative
• Focus on charitable
donation of funds, time,
or in-kind resources.
• Partner interaction
typically limited to
accountability on how
funds are spent but can
include limited joint
planning of priority
areas.
• Organizations share
information and
coordinate efforts but do
not share decisionmaking power.
• Limited transfer or
combining of resources
and programs.
• High degree of partner
autonomy with no
permanent organizational
commitment.
Strategic
Integrative
• Partners share
decision-making power
and exposure to risk.
• Strategically designed to
achieve sustained
impact and scale.
• Involves co-creation of
partnership objectives,
resource sharing, and
joint management of a
partnership function.
• Results in learningbased transformation at
the partner and
partnership level.
• Partners leverage core
competencies to achieve
partnership aims.
• Addresses systemic issues
and has the potential to
enable catalytic change
across geographies and
sectors.
JOINT DECISION-MAKING
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LEARNING-BASED ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
SCALE AND SUSTAINED IMPACT
Source: KPMG International, 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 10
Building effective
partnerships
Although there is broad consensus on the value of partnerships, unlocking
their full potential means moving the conversation from ‘why to partner’
to ‘how to partner.’ Organizations that are eager to engage in partnership
often times overlook some key questions amidst the enthusiasm of
working together. These include:
• How do you identify partners?
• How do you build trust?
• On what issues will you partner?
• What resources can you bring to the partnership?
• How will you know if the partnership is successful?
Partnership lifecycle framework
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At every stage in the partnership process, there are rewards and challenges. While each
partnership is unique, there is broad similarity in how organizations engage with each other
and develop a partnership. Although the diagram below illustrates a common approach, it is
important to remember that this is a learning process for all involved. The actions will never be so clearcut or the phases so distinct.
IDENTIFYING AND DEVELOPING
IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING

Partner Identification

Partnership Agreement

Resource Mapping

Co-design and Co-creation

Discovery Meetings

Governance Framework

Relationship Building


Partner Selection
Meetings and
Documenting Progress

Acknowledge Individual
Partnering Objectives
CLOSE DOWN AND EXIT
SUSTAINING IMPACT
ASSESSING AND REVISING

Inviting New Partners

Monitoring and Evaluating

Scaling Up


Institutionalizing the
Partnership
Accountability and
Reporting

Capacity Building

Lessons Learned

Course-correction

Exit Assessment
Source: KPMG International, 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
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Core values of effective partnerships
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Based on interviews with organizations actively participating in cross-sector
partnerships, a review of existing research, and our own insights, we have identified
four core values that we believe are at the heart of creating, operating, and sustaining
effective cross-sector partnerships.
Equity and respect:
Acknowledge the value that each organization brings to the
partnership. Resource contributions, organizational culture
and individual motivations for joining the partnership may
differ, but the power of partnership is built on harnessing
each partner's key strengths.
Transparency:
Sharing information, maintaining clear lines of
communication, and having honest discussions around
difficult issues are important. Trust can be lost over the
course of a partnership if transparency is not maintained.
Genuine commitment:
Come to the partnership with good faith. It is ok to
acknowledge individual partner benefit but keep the focus
on creating a partnership with a shared vision and definition
of success.
Patience and persistence:
Trust and familiarity, two cornerstones of effective
partnerships, are built up over time. Being patient creates
space for partners to break through, not break down,
during difficult times.
Source: KPMG International, 2015.
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 12
Taking action: Eight factors for effective partnerships
Translating these core values into actionable advice is key. The information presented here
can be used as a framework for partnership success.
Establish the need for partnership and
make the approach
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The decision to partner can be daunting but it comes down to one key question:
Are we better off together than we are alone? Partnerships are a means to achieving
a shared vision that no one partner could achieve on its own. Setting a clear case for
partnership from the beginning is critical to future success.
Define the issue the partnership will tackle
• What is the partnership meant to achieve? Who are you trying to help? Although
this can evolve throughout the life of the partnership, having a clear understanding
of the issue, the desired impact, and the intended beneficiaries will help to ensure
that the partnership is relevant and impactful.
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Determine if partnership is the right choice
• Admitting that you cannot do it alone is an act of vulnerability. It is an even bigger
step to decide to partner with another organization. Organizations must determine
if partnership is the most appropriate course of action to achieve their vision.
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• If a partnership already exists, assess how a new one may overlap or
complement the existing one.
Identify what the partnership needs in order to be successful
• Every organization brings a unique set of resources ranging from funding,
to technical expertise, to credibility with government, to access to intended
beneficiaries. Acknowledging what each organization can and cannot achieve with
its own resources is key to identifying gaps and selecting appropriate partners.
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In this globalized world,
with multiple actors and
a diffusion of power and
resources, we now look beyond
state actors, to create effective
partnerships for change.
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– Julie Bishop, Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Australia3
• Develop selection criteria to identify partner organizations that have the appropriate
strengths, resources, and influence that the partnership needs to be successful.
Think about where to make the approach
• It is important to understand how an organization’s culture influences its approach
to partnering. Working with a small NGO, it may be entirely appropriate to initiate
the relationship through the CEO. Public agencies and large private sector
businesses, on the other hand, may have dedicated program officers that are the
best points of contact.
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• Build the case for partnership by achieving buy-in at both the operational and
leadership levels.
3
http://foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/Pages/2015/jb_sp_150927a.aspx. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
13 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Due diligence is key
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Agenda 2030 and
the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals define
the world we want – and how to get
there. Now we have to take that
blueprint and employ the resources
and ingenuity needed to transform
our societies for sustainable growth
that benefits all people. That will
involve intense collaboration among
governments, the private sector,
civil society and international
organizations, including the United
Nations.
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– Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General,
United Nations4
Performing a due diligence check can help to identify potential partners that are
aligned in their values and have a shared vision of impact. This is an important
but easily overlooked step amidst the enthusiasm for the potential benefits from
collaboration. Partners will share in both successes and failures so selecting the right
set of partners is an extremely important step.
Ask hard questions
• What are the meaningful drivers that motivate organizations to engage in the
partnering process? Understanding these deeper issues provides important
context as to why organizations should engage with one another, devote
resources, invest time, and share risk.
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Investigate at both the operational and personnel level
• If a potential partner has a history of unethical operations, poor performance, or
limited leadership, it is important to consider how their participation may impact
the partnership.
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Assess the risks and rewards of partnership
• All partners anticipate that the rewards of engaging in a partnership will outweigh
the potential risks. It is unwise to partner simply because of the organizations
involved.
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• Since brands become co-mingled in a partnership, it is important not to overlook
the potential risks. These risks can include reputational damage, loss of influence,
and heavy upfront investment of resources.
Build and maintain trust
Trust lays the foundation for open and honest conversations, achieves partner buyin, and encourages commitment to the partnership at a deeper level. It is critical to
sharing knowledge among partners internally and agreeing on how to communicate
successes and areas for improvement.
Have honest conversations, use shared language, and listen to concerns
• The way in which partners communicate can make or break a partnership. It is
important to agree on shared language that builds consensus rather than reinforces
differences.
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• Communicate in an honest, clear, and concise way. Don’t be afraid to speak frankly
about key issues such as differences in resources, power balance, influence, and
level of engagement.
• Listen actively, it is crucial to any relationship. It demonstrates genuine interest in a
partner’s concerns, helps build respect, and lays a foundation of trust.
4
http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=9012. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 14
Meet regularly
• Good communication requires more than emails and conference calls.
Establishing a regular schedule of interactions, such as in-person meetings, is key
to building trust.
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• In the early days in particular, face-to-face interaction is even more important.
“Discovery meetings” can be an important tool to uncover shared interests
and values, differences in organizational culture, and specific capabilities
and limitations.
Acknowledge and respect differences
• There will be differences among partners in a number of areas including
organizational culture, availability of resources, and individual motivation for joining
a partnership. Acknowledging and respecting these differences is just as important
as identifying shared values and a common vision.
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Set out a clear vision of objectives, understanding of
mutual benefit, and roles and responsibilities
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Successful partnerships set out clear objectives, a plan for how to achieve them,
and the benefits in doing so – both for the partnership as a whole, and for individual
partners. Partner organizations must often justify the investment of resources by
demonstrating clear business and development benefits.
Align interests and objectives for the partnership
• Document each organization’s interest in the partnership’s success. This exercise
will reveal the common overlap on which to build the partnership.
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Acknowledge individual benefit
• In addition to the collective impact of the partnership, each partner organization
has the right to benefit for their own goals. Partnerships are more successful if
individual goals and objectives are openly communicated, understood, and
respected.
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Set roles, responsibilities, and expectations at the beginning and manage
throughout
• Each partner should take on a role in the partnership that relates to their core
competencies. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities create accountability
within the partnership. They also help to prevent potential misunderstandings by
laying out specific action areas based on a partner organization’s area of expertise.
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5
The nexus between
government and business
to address global
challenges requires collaboration
with the international donor
community, philanthropists,
and local nongovernmental
organizations through shared
purpose. It is only by working
together that we can achieve the
new goals and build a world that is
worthy of us and our children.
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– Tony Elumelu, Chairman of
Heirs Holdings and Founder,
Tony Elumelu Foundation5
http://time.com/4052700/un-sustainable-development-goals-africa/. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
15 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Invest the time, people, and resources to
manage the relationship
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The most successful partnerships are those in which all partners make the necessary
investments both within their own organization and in the partnership itself.
Committing the appropriate human, financial, and organizational resources up front
can make operating through the life of the partnership more effective.
Engage sponsors
• Successful partnerships require high-level sponsorship at all partner organizations.
Sponsors enable partnerships to secure organizational resources including funding,
staff time, and meeting spaces that are critical to their success.
79B
Empower champions
• Champions are individuals that are deeply committed to the success of the
partnership and often lead it from concept to implementation. As the partnership
develops, they help to navigate internal and external roadblocks to the
partnership’s success.
80B
Governments, international
and regional organizations,
the private sector, civil
society and academia can and must
come together in new ways to take
action comprehensively on the
global water crisis.
78B
Appoint relationship managers who are responsible for day to day
management
• Providing a dedicated point of contact establishes continuity in daily interactions
among partners. For donor agencies, establishing partnership offices that are staffed
with relationship managers can assist private sector and civil society partners to
navigate bureaucracy and help unlock the partnership’s maximum potential.
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– Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary
General, United Nations6
Develop a network of people who are committed to the partnership’s success
• Build the network up and down. If a partnership is initiated from the top of
an organization, it is important that leadership explains and demonstrates
why it is aligned with its core business. If a partnership is initiated at the
staff level, it is important to sensitize the benefits up through the
organization and build internal support among key leaders.
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6
http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/dsgsm896.doc.htm. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 16
Design for sustainability
and implement for success
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True partnerships are more than just an exchange of funds. They are about
co-creation and design, shared decision making, and pooling of resources. Adopting
this mindset from the beginning enables partner organizations to be more responsive
to unforeseen challenges.
Co-create an implementation strategy that lays a clear plan to reach the
objectives
• Setting objectives and developing a clear action plan is an important step in
identifying, tracking, and achieving partnership aims. Provide opportunities
for partner organizations to give input on how the goals and objectives can be
achieved.
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Jointly develop a flexible governance structure to support a variety of solutions
• How will you make decisions and resolve issues? Who will speak on behalf of the
partnership? Who will run meetings? Using a structured process to partnership
operation can help reduce vulnerability and streamline the process.
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Decide on the time stamp of the partnership
• Design and success of long-term and short-term partnerships look very different.
Defining the length of the partnership helps in establishing milestones and setting
expectations of what can and cannot be achieved.
Today our world is
changing faster than
ever before – economic,
geopolitical and environmental
challenges abound. A company
must invest in the key ingredients of
profitability: its people, communities
and the environment.
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– Warren Buffett7
Chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway
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Give people time to seek internal commitment to solve problems
• What does the other partner need to have the partnership go forward? Think
long term about relationships. It’s not just about one time transactions, it’s about
making sure the relationship is working for both sides.
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Start focused to make sure it is scalable and replicable
• Concentrate your efforts on a few specific areas that are explicitly linked to the
partnership’s aims. Do not focus on too many broad issues. Over the course of the
partnership you can create value as you jointly identify key areas of overlap.
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• Once early success has been established, scale fast to increase the impact for both
partners and beneficiaries.
7
http://www.jm.com/content/dam/jm/global/en/generaldocuments/sustainability/2011JMSustainabilityReport.pdf. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
17 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Hold each other accountable and learn from
mistakes
12B
Accountability in partnerships is a key factor for long-term success. Although
conversations on this topic are rarely easy, they help to ensure that partners
individually deliver on promises. Mechanisms to monitor progress, evaluate partner
actions, and enable accountability help to make sure the partnership is achieving
its goals.
Regularly assess deliverables, time frames, and allocated resources
• Establish a framework that clearly lays out milestones, target achievements, and
performance measures. Identify data requirements and put in place mechanisms
to collect timely and high-quality data to enable effective management of the
partnership. This provides a mechanism for partners to continuously evaluate
progress against outcomes and the overall mandate of the partnership.
89B
• Identify short-, intermediate-, and long-term outcomes you expect to achieve
as a result of your collective work. Have specific due dates for tasks and
goal completion, and set expectations around delivery.
When planned reality doesn’t happen, learn from missteps and course-correct
• If there are changes in responsibilities, vision, resource availability, or if expected
objectives are not met, recognize them and adapt. Look at stumbling blocks
as learning opportunities. Reassessing, redesigning or exiting is ok. It is more
important to focus on impact and return on investment than pure activity.
90B
Focus on lessons learned for future success
• Each partner has different expectations around lesson learning and feedback.
Build capacity for future partnering success by going beyond the outputs and
outcomes conversation.
91B
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 18
Learn the ‘Art of Exit’
A successful partnership does not have to exist in perpetuity. In fact, the most successful
ones can have a designated end date in mind. Since not all partnerships will work,
knowing when to move on is equally as important as knowing when to press on.
Go into the partnership understanding that it may not be successful
• Address contingency plans at the beginning of the partnership rather than the end. It is
easier to deal with this in times of calm than crisis.
92B
• Set up a plan and identify, at the staff level, how the decoupling process will
be implemented. As systems and resources become intertwined, closing
down a partnership is more difficult than just walking away.
Exit gracefully and celebrate the successes
• Don’t make it personal. Partner organizations and individuals may have to rely on each
other in the future.
93B
• Even though the partnership may be ending, it is important still to recognize the
key achievements and positive impact the partnership accomplished. This allows
organizations the chance to reflect on successes and consider how to apply lessons
learned to future partnerships.
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
19 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 18
Closing thoughts
3B
The adoption of the Global Goals sets a framework for new business models, new
ideas, new relationships and new technologies to deliver long-term and sustainable
solutions to seemingly intractable global challenges. At KPMG International, we
firmly believe that cross-sector partnerships will play a fundamental and central
role in achieving these results for people, planet, and prosperity. As the line
between what is good for business and what is good for development continues to
fade, we believe that organizations will increasingly look to partner across sectors
to magnify impact, enhance effectiveness, and create new market opportunities.
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with
KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member
firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 20
Partnership
case studies
4B
We are grateful to our partners for preparing and sharing the following case studies
for inclusion in this report. We believe the following case studies help to illustrate the
various approaches to partnership and highlight important lessons learned from each
organization’s experience.
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms
are affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or
bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate
or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
21 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 22
Leveraging platforms for private action
World Cocoa Foundation (WCF)
3B
The cocoa industry created the WCF in 2000 to be the focal point and thought leader on cocoa sustainability.
Today, over 115 companies of different sizes, functions and geographies have joined in an effort to improve
the farming and conditions in cocoa growing communities. The philosophy of WCF and its industry members
has always been to be “farmer focused” and work in partnership with others who bring technical, human
and financial resources to leverage our understanding and impact.
Early centralized partnership models
34B
One of WCF’s earliest partnerships was through the Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP)
which was cofounded by WCF company members and USAID. The implementing partner was the
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) which provided farmer field school training to
cocoa producers in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. STCP was governed by participating
WCF company members, USAID and government representatives from each of the African countries.
The Steering Committee met semi-annually to evaluate progress on the program.
Transformational partnership models
35B
In 2009, WCF and 16 of its company members embarked on the Cocoa Livelihoods Program (CLP), a
partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the intention of doubling the incomes of over
200,000 cocoa farmers in West Africa. The CLP model was different in that implementation was the
responsibility of participating companies through a matching grant mechanism. Participating companies
selected their own implementing partners and matching grants were performance based. This model
encouraged private sector approaches and innovations versus the former centralized STCP model.
The companies also included a focus on gender and food crops production in their matching grants based
on the framework set by the Foundation. Similar to STCP, CLP has been governed by a Steering
Committee composed of the Foundation, company members, and host government representatives.
New partnership horizons
36B
In 2014, eleven of the leading WCF member companies came together to develop a long-term strategy in
West Africa called “CocoaAction.” The strategy was designed to create conditions for transformational
and scalable changes in West Africa’s cocoa sector. The distinction from other partnerships is that it
has the senior most levels of support from the companies as well as technical support for companyimplemented programs which will provide productivity and community development support to over
300,000 cocoa farmers. The companies agreed to a common results framework to measure progress
which has been endorsed by the governments of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. CocoaAction enables industry
members to more easily partner with other development partners at a scale and timeframe which
ensures commitments beyond the typical lifecycle of a traditional project or program. The strategy is
governed by senior executives in the companies who also meet periodically with government leaders
to consult on progress. Thus far, CocoaAction has successfully signed important MOUs with African
governments on improved planting material and fertilizer distribution, and forged in-country public-private
partnership platforms with government representatives responsible for cocoa in their countries.
If the CocoaAction model proves to be successful, the goal is for it to be implemented in other African
countries and in other regions of the world.
Photo courtesy of World Cocoa Foundation
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
23 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Starting small and scaling up
KPMG and Enactus
The KPMG-Enactus4 partnership has spanned close to two decades, inspiring
confidence within lives and communities across 115 countries, and helping to
develop future leaders in over 36 countries. What began as a sponsor relationship has
grown into an exclusive partnership that harnesses the creativity, innovation, passion
and energy of a new generation of future leaders, and channels it towards creating
positive change around the world via entrepreneurial action.
Our global leadership team
not only saw the good
our teams were doing
in their communities; they also
recognized the opportunities that
Enactus would provide to create
relationships with senior executives
of major corporations who shared a
passion for a meaningful cause.
The journey
94B
– Lord Michael Hastings,
Global Head of Citizenship,
KPMG.
37B
The partnership with Enactus was initiated in 1996 when it were still known as
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). Originally a program restricted to the U.S., Enactus
used to run a national competition for student teams to compete against each other on
the basis of the impact they had achieved through their projects. The basis of attraction
for any business leader who attended a SIFE competition was the level of positive
energy they experienced from the students, and the strong urge they witnessed from
them to make a positive impact within the communities they lived. As SIFE, the
organization developed a catch phrase to describe business leaders who had attended
a competition and were impressed – ‘they’ve been SIFEd’!
True to the catch phrase, the KPMG leaders who were among the first to attend the
competition were impressed and saw the significant potential the organization had
to help harness the energy and positive will of a new generation of young leaders
to empower change within the world. KPMG also saw the potential to develop the
program to attract clients/businesses on the basis of its impact to become a unique
networking opportunity around positive development. KPMG’s global network of
member firms came together to provide leadership instrumental to SIFE’s worldwide
expansion and helped introduce the first SIFE World Cup in 2001.
Global growth
38B
KPMG played a pivotal role in terms of helping Enactus grow globally. KPMG partners
involved in Enactus had a fair understanding of their growth plans, and strategically
engaged various partners from relevant member firms within target countries.
As a part of the commitments made to the partnership, KPMG has provided strategic
support to Enactus to help enable global expansion by providing support around:
• Launch – providing front-end operation support to help set up national programs in
countries where operations previously didn’t exist.
• Coordination and expansion – using existing communication networks to help
share information, updates, and best practice ideas internally and externally.
• Time and resources – apart from providing financial support, KPMG believed in the
value of ‘putting our skills to use,’ and have traditionally engaged its partners and
people to support the national and regional programs.
4
Enactus is an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business
leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life for people
in need.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 24
Until 2006, the partnership was driven through the KPMG U.S. relationship.
However, this had its challenges towards driving the global expansion.
Based on the number of national relationships it had built over the course of
10 years, KPMG incorporated the Enactus partnership as a part of its global
citizenship strategy. This increased levels of coordination and support towards
the partnership, and also brought in renewed support from KPMG’s global
marketing and recruitment teams to better leverage the partnership.
Currently, KPMG has over 34 people representing the organization in over 30
Enactus national, regional, and global boards. KPMG engages over 300 of its
people annually by encouraging them to be mentors, advisors, and judges in
various Enactus events. Our network of member firms leverages its brand via
the partnership with over 40 global clients. KPMG also provides operational
resources for Enactus (i.e. program managers, coordinators, and volunteers) to
help support their national operations. KPMG member firms recruit from the
exceptional talent pool Enactus provides. For example, KPMG partnered with
Enactus students from Universidad del Valle de Mexico on Project Pasni. The
project repurposed used vinyl advertising banners into chic products that were
able to generate income for local artisans and their families.
The exclusive partnership
39B
Given the level of strategic support KPMG has provided over the years,
Enactus provides KPMG exclusive access to the program as the preferred
“Big 4” firm. KPMG has the ‘right for first refusal’ with any new national
program that is in development, and their national/global events provide KPMG
with exceptional branding opportunities. Similarly, KPMG proactively helps to
grow the program within countries with significant opportunity and potential
for high levels of positive impact.
With businesses like Walmart, Unilever, and KPMG supporting Enactus, it is a
partnership opportunity for business to play an essential role in advancing
work towards improving lives, strengthening communities, and developing a new
generation of young and socially responsible business leaders for the future.
Photo courtesy of KPMG and Enactus
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
25 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Partnerships are becoming
more sophisticated and
an acknowledgment that
there is more value in working
together – it’s not only about access
to products, access to markets,
access to knowledge or driven by
limited CSR budgets – rather a focus
on holistic partnerships that create
sustainable impact for society, the
state, and business.
Delivering long-term results for refugees
95B
– UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the
IKEA Foundation
40B
In 2009, the CEO of the IKEA Foundation and the Head of International Corporate
Partnerships at UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, hit it off at a dinner discussion.
At the time, IKEA had limited experience in the humanitarian sector and UNHCR
was just starting to develop long-term partnerships with the private sector. Today,
six years later, the situation is very different. The IKEA – UNHCR partnership has
become the largest of its kind between the private sector and the UN. The financial
contributions are significant, in the range of $170 million so far. The breadth of
the partnership has evolved to knowledge sharing, co-creation and funding of an
Innovation unit within UNHCR, and raising public support for refugees in need of lifesaving shelters. There is robustness in the partnership and a clear trajectory for future
collaboration. What are some of the keys to the successes of this partnership?
Importance of champions
41B
There is no doubt that champions on both sides have been critical for success.
Individual commitment, vision, personal drive and persistence have been essential to
manage through changes in key personnel, political direction, and internal challenges.
The champions in this partnership achieved wide-spread buy-in by articulating the
value each side brought to the relationship: for UNHCR, it was its primary purpose to
safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. For IKEA, it was innovative product
design and a desire to have a positive impact.
Shared values and interests
42B
Developing the relationship required long conversations to understand what was
important to each organization. These discussions revealed where their individual
priorities overlapped. This process allowed them to build a deep level of trust between
the two organizations and to develop a key factor in any successful partnership – a solid
appreciation of shared values and interests. In this case, both organizations found a mutual
interest in improving the living conditions of children, women, families, and refugees.
Long-term view
43B
Partnerships are a give and take. They require an element of trust and longterm engagement. Partners need to acknowledge that there may be
unforeseen challenges that can cause delays in moving the partnership forward.
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 26
The private sector approach with quick decision-making, a constant drive for improved
quality, and tight management of costs can stand in contrast to the bureaucracy and
slower pace of change typical of large multilateral entities. The partnership overcame
this challenge in part by IKEA’s willingness to bridge fund UNHCR staff time to work
on collaborative projects before budgets were available – and before the business
case had been proven for such spending. This provided UNHCR the flexibility to take
on new initiatives and eventually led to the creation of the agency’s Innovation unit.
By developing an understanding of the operational realities, interests, and expectations
of the other partner, each side was able to exercise the necessary patience and
persistence to manage the partnership for the long-term.
Results
4B
The partnership has had major impacts in a number of ways. Support to specific
refugee camps has had tangible results: in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon 100,000 refugees
received mattresses, blankets and winter items; in Bangladesh, 10,000 refugee
children received primary education and 3,100 refugees received vocational
training; in Sudan, over 15,000 received primary education and 8,500 received micro
loans for income generating activities; and in Ethiopia 9,600 shelters. In addition,
and potentially of even greater significance, innovation through cross pollination
between the two organizations’ knowledge, culture and opportunities have resulted
in the design of new shelters – to replace the traditional tents of refugee camps –
and solar powered lights, with more innovations to come.
The difference is that we’re
not simply writing checks.
Instead, we’ve taken a
holistic approach in developing
this partnership. We view the
partnership as an investment to
delivering long-term results for
refugees and achieving shared
value for both IKEA and UNHCR
96B
– IKEA Foundation
IKEA stores have also become a place where customers learn about refugees and
UNHCR’s work. In a new program, which is currently being expanded, customers
have an opportunity to support refugees through their purchases: a one Euro
donation is made for every LEDARE LED lamp sold. In 2015, about $8.73 million
was raised in this way.
Conclusion
45B
This partnership serves as an example of what can only be achieved by working
together. Neither partner could have achieved these results alone. Champions on
each side were key to building trust and sustaining momentum. The partnership
has matured beyond a traditional relationship to one that is characterized by
collaborative engagement, innovation, and a long-term view to achieve results that
make a lasting difference for refugees.
Photo courtesy of UNHCR. An overview of RHU shelters installed in Hilaweyn Refugee Camp, Ethiopia. C. Earney/UNHCR
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
27 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Lessons in educational partnerships
Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF)
...it requires authenticity,
trust and respect among
all partners involved to
guarantee that an honest dialogue
about what’s working and what’s
not can truly be achieved.
97B
– SVCF
The common core state standards (CCSS) are the most important shift in US
educational policy in the past several decades. They represent a significant
opportunity to prepare all students to be college, career and life ready when they
graduate from high school. In order to implement these standards effectively,
significant preparation and planning is required of school districts, teachers and
parents. To respond to this opportunity, the SVCF launched the Silicon Valley
Common Core Initiative (SVCCI). Through this three-year effort, SVCF supports five
collaboratives, or groups of district leaders, representing 27 of the 54 districts in
Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties in California.
The SVCCI includes a diverse set of partners at different levels who work together
to achieve economies of scale, access the best resources available and facilitate
peer learning.
As this initiative seeks to achieve systemic change in a still evolving field, SVCF took
a unique approach under the philosophy of emergent philanthropy. This approach
requires a co-creation of strategy to ensure its relevance to all partners, a focus on
learning and real-time adaptation as well as a conscious recognition of the dynamic
landscape in which districts are operating. Through this process, each of the school
district collaboratives co-developed a proposal for funding and engagement – the first
time something of this scale had ever been accomplished in the region. The selected
collaboratives then worked side by side with SVCF to design a CCSS implementation
plan, and invest in teacher professional development, raising community awareness
of the CCSS and assessing technology needs. SVCF engaged partner funders and
community stakeholders to be part of the process as well. In its first year, the SVCCI
was able to reach 500 teachers and nearly 150,000 students.
Building diverse partnerships
46B
Partnership among diverse stakeholders continues to be paramount to the success
of this initiative and is thoughtfully integrated at every level. There are three primary
groups of partners that are integral to this initiative. First are the school district
administrators, whose leadership is critical to developing the collaboratives and
the related three year strategic plans. Second, SVCF formed an internal crossorganizational project team to ensure that the interests of the community partners,
corporate donors, parents, media and interested individuals were represented and
incorporated into the goals and ongoing projects within the initiative. Finally, a diverse
set of funders are investing in the initiative including individuals, family foundations,
institutional funders and corporations.
Each of these funders has a unique approach and relates to the initiative in its own
way. For instance – corporate partners are concerned about the CCSS as it relates
to workforce preparedness in STEM fields, whereas families may be focused on
parental engagement. The diversity amongst the partners and key stakeholders
required SVCF to be nimble and adaptive while maintaining the vision of the initiative.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 28
Best practice lessons
47B
In the past two years, SVCF has identified some best practices for managing multisector partnerships:
• Ensure alignment on the vision. Spend time together on the front-end articulating
common goals and strategies for the work.
• Invest in the backbone. Identify and invest in a project manager to coordinate efforts,
document agreements and ensure accountability required to drive the partnership
towards a common vision. In the case of SVCCI, SVCF funded expert facilitation for the
collaboratives and built its internal capacity to manage the initiative.
• Collect meaningful data to drive action. Invest in formative evaluation that can inform
the work going forward and do it with enough frequency to allow for course correction.
• Learn quickly and design collaboratively. Process data together to share learning and
be able to quickly pivot to successful approaches.
• Embrace flexibility. There is a high probability that some aspect of the partnership or
initiative you’re working on will not go exactly as planned. By building room for flexibility
into the partnerships you are setting them up for greater agility and sustainability.
Conclusion
48B
It is important to note that utilizing an emergent approach to partnerships can be
incredibly effective, but it does require a commitment towards a shared vision, significant
investment in time and nuanced resourcing from all of the partners. Most importantly,
it requires authenticity, trust and respect among all partners involved to guarantee
that an honest dialogue about what’s working and what’s not can truly be achieved.
If these fundamentals can be realized, a multi-sector partnership can be catalytic in
addressing social problems and achieving systems-level change.
Photo courtesy of Silicon Valley Community Foundation
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
29 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Beyond corporate responsibility: Building
trust and identifying areas for cooperation to
build shared value
In many respects, successful
partnerships are the ones
you have to work on.
Partnerships where you learn from
one another. That’s why we’re still a
partner with the Red Cross.
Nestle and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC)
98B
– Nestle
The partnership between Nestle and the IFRC illustrates the dynamic nature of
how partnerships can evolve over time. What started as traditional Corporate
Responsibility (CR) has evolved into a deeply integrated relationship and has
expanded from merely giving funds to joint planning of programs, shared
responsibility and decision making, and embedding innovation into their joint
activities to create shared value.
The partnership commenced in 2002 as a classic corporate donor partnership.
Nestle gave funds to the IFRC as part of its CR initiatives. The partnership was in its
infancy and there wasn’t demand to expand or scale the partnership, which limited
interactions between the two organizations to accountability of how the funds were
spent.
However, both organizations soon started to notice overlaps in several key focus
areas and an opportunity to create shared value. In 2004-2005 they collaborated on
a very extensive HIV awareness campaign in Nigeria. In addition to committing
financial resources, they decided to deepen the partnership and commit additional
knowledge and resources to the relationship. As Nestle and the IFRC staff began to
work more closely together, both organizations saw the potential of the partnership
to go beyond just funding. They could achieve greater impact in the communities
and countries in which they worked, inspiring them to think about the other areas in
which they could collaborate.
Our partnerships allow us
to achieve together what
we could not achieve alone.
Over time, as deeper understanding
and mutual trust develop, we
move beyond merely delivering on
a common objective to a relation
based on a common vision,
shared values and complementary
capacities. This is the path of
partnership development we have
experienced with Nestlé.
– IFRC
The next phase of their partnership began in 2006. Through conversations, they jointly
identified water and sanitation as a priority area for both organizations. This joinedup approach resulted in the IFRC helping to deliver water and sanitation to cocoa
growing villages that were part of Nestle’s cocoa supply chain. If you get healthier
communities you get better cocoa. A win for both organizations. Due to the success
of working together, the partnership expanded to work alongside other company
and industry initiatives aiming at strengthening the socio-economic capacity of local
communities. The partnership with the IFRC demonstrates how working together
to identify shared objective and priorities can have a positive impact not only on local
communities, but also on the individual priorities of each organization.
Developing a long term relationship and learning from strengths
49B
Some of the key lessons learned from this partnership are the importance of learning
from each other’s strengths, defining a clear scope for collaboration, and listening.
This approach strengthens not only the individual organization but also the partnership
as a whole, creating space to build a strong foundation based on trust. This leads to
honest conversations about each partner’s responsibilities, what the partnership can
achieve, and just as important, what it cannot.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 30
This approach has led to unique collaborations, including integrating the IFRC’s water
engineers to work alongside Nestle’s agricultural extension and sourcing teams in the cocoagrowing villages, and Nestle staff working with IFRC teams to deliver programming to local
communities. Working together in partnership leverages the IFRC’s expertise working in local
communities on humanitarian and development initiatives with Nestle’s corporate expertise.
Complementarity in vision, goals and objectives, and joint activities strengthens further
collaboration. The water and sanitation work cumulatively is planned to reach over 200,000
people in Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Another lesson learned is the importance of understanding where contributions are having the
most impact and designing a mechanism to assess this. In the Nestle-IFRC partnership, the
organizations meet regularly to monitor progress and submit regular reports to each other’s
management on the progress of their interventions.
Nestle and the IFRC have been working with each other long enough to understand each
other’s priorities and strengths. This allows them to focus on identifying specific areas where
the maximum overlap happens and constructing a work plan to implement the project, monitor
progress, and measure impact. As a result of the partnership, new technology is being applied
with Nestle’s support in the use of mobile phone technology and ‘real time’ remote monitoring
and evaluation which is likely to impact IFRC’s programming worldwide.
In the context of this work in West Africa, the impact for the IFRC was measured by the
improved lives of cocoa farmers through access to clean drinking water, improved sanitation,
knowledge of how to stay healthy, and the sense of community ownership over natural
resources. For Nestle, it was also healthier, and hence more motivated and productive cocoa
growing communities.
Photo courtesy of Nestle and the International Federation of the Red Cross
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
31 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Identifying shared value
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
For more than 40 years, society’s demand on natural resources has surpassed what
our planet can replenish. These demands include resources consumed for food, fuel
and fiber, land on which we build, and forests that filter our air. A growing population
and rising middle class will only exacerbate these pressures, unless we recognize
that our continued prosperity depends on the natural resources sustained by a
healthy planet.
Business is increasingly realizing that they are not immune to these pressures.
The supply chains of large companies depend on natural resources from all around
the world. Natural resource management is more and more tied to operational and
reputational risk, and ultimately, to the long-term viability of a company. Corporations
therefore have a business interest in understanding how their products and the raw
materials used in global operations are impacting local communities, biodiversity, and
the environment. While there is a clear imperative to take action, business cannot
tackle these risks alone.
Cross-sector partnerships
are more important than
ever to help protect the
natural resources that fuel our
prosperity and sustain our planet.
At WWF, we work hand-in-hand
with business to develop solutions
to pressing environmental
challenges that meet the needs of
both people and nature.
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NGOs are uniquely qualified to build cross-sector partnerships that address complex
challenges affecting both global and local stakeholders. NGOs are consistently
ranked as the most trusted type of institution by the Edelman Trust Barometer, an
annual survey measuring stakeholder perceptions across 27 markets worldwide. In
addition to bringing a foundation of trust to cross-sector partnerships, international
NGOs leverage their global networks, technical credibility, and convening power to
collaborate with companies in ways that meet the needs of people and nature.
– WWF
Photo courtesy of World Wildlife Fund
WWF approaches collaboration with an eye towards understanding the company’s
risks and long-term strategy, and then finding alignment with WWF’s priorities across
conservation goals and geographic focus areas. Depending on the context and shared
goals, WWF takes several approaches to leading cross-sector partnerships, including:
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with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 32
Helping business understand and prioritize risks
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WWF works with companies to help them understand the most important environmental and social issues
for their business. For example, WWF has developed analytical tools to help companies identify the relative
environmental risk and opportunity related to the production of raw materials across global supply chains.
Grounded in science-based analysis, WWF then works with companies to develop time-bound, measurable
action plans that align with their business priorities and WWF’s expertise. By co-designing these action plans,
WWF builds long-term relationships and trust that reduce business risk while advancing our environmental
goals.
Developing platforms for business to take collective action on common issues
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WWF approaches sustainability as a precompetitive issue, and brings together companies to develop solutions
to shared challenges, including commodity production, water management, and climate emissions. WWF
provides a platform for companies to share information, create consensus around sustainability standards, and
deliver commitments to help ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials well into the future. Through these
efforts, WWF has helped develop credible, third-party certification schemes, such as the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) and the Bonsucro standard on sustainable sugarcane, which have the potential to make lasting
impact on resource scarcity and climate change.
Building transformational partnerships with business
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As part of a transformational partnership with a company, WWF works to integrate environmental
sustainability into core business practices. This approach is designed to create significant improvements in
operational efficiency and sustainability across the company—from headquarters to manufacturing plant to
supply chain. One example is WWF’s longstanding partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, which helped
to measurably improve water efficiency, reduce emissions in the company’s manufacturing operations,
advance procurement of sustainably certified sugarcane, and support conservation efforts around the world.
To achieve results like these, WWF’s partnerships are grounded in specific, measurable targets, which are
aligned with the conservation goals of each individual organization. These results are then measured and
evaluated with co-developed indicators to ensure partnership objectives have been achieved.
Working with business to advance the science
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WWF engages companies to support scientific research and thought leadership in new frontiers of
sustainability. Currently, WWF scientists are leading global efforts to quantify the financial value of nature
based on economic interests and human welfare. As part of this initiative, WWF is working with companies to
implement pilot projects in their operations, which can then serve as case studies for other businesses looking
to account for nature’s value in their decision-making.
Raising awareness with consumers and employees
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WWF engages in a variety of cause marketing partnerships that help drive awareness of, and revenue towards,
its conservation work. These partnerships provide a company’s customers and employees with opportunities
to demonstrate their support of WWF and contribute to protecting nature. For example, Avon’s Healthy
Forests, Beautiful World program raises funds through the sale of specially designated products, sold by its
Avon Sales Representatives worldwide and online. Avon then donates a portion of the proceeds to WWF to
support reforestation efforts in Indonesia.
WWF is dedicated to developing private sector allies to amplify its conservation impact. The challenges of
sustainable development are too complex, intertwined, and urgent for any one organization, sector, or country
to solve alone. Leveraging their global networks, power to convene across sectors, and technical expertise,
international NGOs are well-positioned to enable innovative, cross-sector solutions that help address these
complex challenges.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or
any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights
reserved. NDPPS 528878
33 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Training future engineers in Vietnam
USAID
Our work in higher
education is motivated
by a vision much bigger
than staffing a factory. This is
about giving back to Vietnam,
creating an education system that
will sustain economic growth
and transform Vietnam from an
agricultural-based to a knowledgebased economy.
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– USAID/Intel
In Vietnam, the electronics industry is growing rapidly, but training of the country’s
engineers has not kept pace. In 2010, on the verge of building a new high-tech
manufacturing facility in Vietnam, the Intel Corporation was struggling to hire
local engineering graduates with the right skill set—fluency in English, strength in
innovative problem solving, competency in modern data analysis and interpretation
tools, and the capacity to work effectively on multidisciplinary project teams.
Intel recognized the need to partner with the Government of Vietnam and key
higher education institutions to strengthen the country’s engineering education
system to meet long-term workforce needs, an area that USAID had also identified as
critical to supporting Vietnam’s progress toward becoming an inclusive, market-based
economy. Together they initiated the Higher Engineering Education Alliance Program
(HEEAP) to improve engineering curricula and instruction at five top Vietnamese
universities and three vocational colleges.
This Global Development Alliance (GDA) – a partnership based on shared value,
risks and reward, which uses both cash and in-kind support to build an innovative
and sustainable approach to development – was implemented by Arizona State
University (ASU) with Intel, Siemens, Danaher Corporation, Honeywell and
Cadence Design Systems contributing much-needed software and equipment as
well as offering internships and hands-on training opportunities for engineering
students.
Establishing the partnership
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HEEAP was established to create a generation of global-minded engineers and
transform Vietnam’s electrical and mechanical engineering programs into dynamic,
hands-on degrees that effectively prepare graduates to work in a rapidly evolving
field. It has focused on training Vietnamese engineering faculty in active learning
techniques, curriculum design and project– and problem-based learning methods
through summer training programs at ASU. After their return to Vietnam, faculty
members train their peers, revamp existing curricula, design new courses, upgrade
labs and incorporate new methods into their own teaching. To support them in
this transformation, HEEAP has assigned ASU mentors to Vietnamese faculty and
grouped participants into teams to collaboratively implement reforms.
Faculty – who often held second jobs to supplement their small teaching incomes – were
struggling to implement the more demanding changes required for active learning, so
Intel provided one-year stipends to hire teaching assistants and acquire other resources.
The partnership demonstrated that instructors learn faster and better by returning to the
classroom to experiment with new techniques and then also sharing these experiences
with peers.
From 2010 through 2014, HEEAP trained more than 155 Vietnamese engineering
faculty, the majority of whom have redesigned course syllabi to include active
learning approaches and have received positive feedback from students. The program
also provided scholarships for 300 female students to help them attend vocational
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 34
colleges for training in engineering and encourage greater gender representation in
the field. Faculty returning from HEEAP-sponsored ASU trainings found the program
useful and reported having applied active learning in their institutions. Noted one
participant, “Before HEEAP, we talked, they listened. Now we know how to
effectively transfer knowledge to students.”
The government of Vietnam was receptive to a collaborative approach; the country
had been pursuing a standards-based approach to engineering education as well as
international accreditation, and the government gave its support to the partnership’s
efforts. HEEAP also took on broader institutional reform, helping Vietnamese
universities become internationally accredited through the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology (ABET) and working closely with university leadership,
the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), and the Ministry of Labor to
strengthen human and institutional capacity at Vietnam’s eight technical universities
and vocational colleges. As a result, Ho Chi Minh University of Technology is seeking
fast-tracked accreditation, which would make it the first university to receive this
accreditation in Vietnam.
Intel recognized HEEAP as an integral part of its strategy for strengthening higher
education in Vietnam, an important part of its business objectives. More in-demand,
qualified engineering talent is now available for Intel’s local business operations, as
well as other high-tech companies in Vietnam. The results of the first phase of HEEAP
have led Intel to commit to reinvesting in an expansion of the program and further
support that extends beyond the timeframe for USAID’s involvement. With strong
results, barriers must still be addressed to transform education in Vietnam. Vietnam’s
teachers are overworked and underpaid, and sustaining change remains a challenge.
For example, with an end to stipends, many faculty were not incentivized nor had
the time, energy nor resources to make use of more time-consuming active learning
methods – follow up is essential for faculty that have acquired new knowledge and
training in active learning through HEEAP.
Evaluating the partnership
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Evaluations of HEEAP indicate that to ensure the sustainability of the program, it
must also adopt a broader strategy for affecting institutional change within Vietnam’s
educational system. Evaluations indicate that teacher performance, for example,
is constrained by educational policies that limit innovation and the application of
improved techniques. Now, ASU and Intel are working with MOET to expand
HEEAP to train 650 professors per year and implement broader university reforms.
In recognition of the fact that these problems also impact vocational and technical
colleges, HEEAP has also added a vocational arm to its programming and started
implementing in-country proliferation of standards-based teaching methodologies,
expanding the reach of HEEAP beyond those who have traveled to the U.S.
Program evaluations provide important lessons for the future of this work – they
indicate that while challenges remain to ensuring lasting results, HEEAP has also
served as an example of strength in partnership. The alliance’s goals align clearly with
the objectives of partners and stakeholders. The HEEAP GDA mechanism also proved
effective, meeting the objectives of partners and satisfying USAID’s expectations.
© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated
with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any
other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved.
NDPPS 528878
35 | Unlocking the Power of Partnership
Critical success factors
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Through this GDA model, USAID was able to share responsibility and reward for
reaching project goals with a more flexible private sector partner. This mechanism
also allowed the alliance to expand to include other companies and allowed partners
to appropriately divide responsibilities for achieving project objectives, adding value
and enhancing the likelihood of greater impact from each partners’ unique strengths.
Communication among partners and stakeholders has been essential to HEEAP’s
success. Despite partners’ varied organizational cultures, vocabularies and
constituencies, this model has allowed ASU, as an implementer, to maintain strong
lines of communications and reporting among them. And because partners share
responsibilities, they have been forced to use adaptive project management styles
that are easily navigated by ASU.
Sponsors become members of the partnerships Champions Leadership Committee,
which meets twice annually and engages academic, government and industry leaders
through a platform that helps them align resources with high-impact projects linked to
HEEAP’s strategic objectives and focus specifically on progress toward international
accreditation for the undergraduate engineering curriculum. The alliance kicked off
with leadership workshops for members of MOET and university leadership at target
schools. To ensure ongoing local engagement, the committee continues to meet
periodically to maintain communication with stakeholders at the highest levels of
relevant Ministries, USAID and the Embassy, and corporate partners.
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Unlocking the Power of Partnership | 36
Conclusion
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While the HEEAP partnership has achieved impressive results and achieved the core
objectives of the partners involved, its impact is still small relative to the size of the
wider education system challenges in Vietnam. As a result, Intel has issued a challenge
to current and potential alliance members to join them in scaling the initiative so that
reform may occur more quickly, more broadly and more sustainably. Now in its second
phase, HEEAP 2.0 builds upon Intel’s and USAID’s original investments, expanding
to a proposed $40 million investment in Vietnam’s human resources and economic
development. ASU continues to seek new resources and prioritize partnerships with
industry, Foundations and the Vietnamese government to ensure this work continues
and sustain the long-term impacts and success of HEEAP. Recognizing the need for a
more robust Vietnam-based presence, a new in-country program office will facilitate
new partnerships, engage universities and colleges, and support ongoing change in
Vietnamese institutions.
“Our work in higher education is motivated by a vision much bigger than staffing a
factory. This is about giving back to Vietnam, creating an education system that will
sustain economic growth and transform Vietnam from an agricultural-based to a
knowledge-based economy.” Building upon initial success, HEEAP is now moving to
the next level to strengthen education, empower the Vietnamese workforce, meet the
growing needs of industry and strengthen business ties between the U.S. and Vietnam.
Photo courtesy of USAID
© 2015 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG
International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis
third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All rights reserved. NDPPS 528878
Contact KPMG’s International
Development Assistance Services
Global Chair
Timothy A. A. Stiles
T: +1 212 872 5955
E: [email protected]
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entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as
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© 2016 KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent
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Publication name: Unlocking the power of partnership
Publication number: 528878
Publication date: January 2016